When it came time to select a new book to review, I almost passed over Plain Wisdom. I had read quite a few Amish fiction books lately, and I wanted to make sure to keep variety in my reading. But, after seeing the description of Plain Wisdom, I just couldn’t resist it.
Freshly released today, this non-fiction collection of stories sprouted from an unlikely friendship between author Cindy Woodsmall and an Old Order Amish wife and mother named Miriam Flaud. As the two women watched their friendship grow, the idea of a book began to form and then materialize. The result is this simple, but precious, collection of short stories from the lives of both women.
Woven through Plain Wisdom are stories showing how God has taught both women similar lessons through life despite their very different cultural background. As the book ranges in topic from friendship to spiritual growth to painful times and everything in between, readers are drawn into the lives of these two women. Though their lifestyles are very, very different, it is obvious that much in their hearts is the same.
The book threw several surprises my way, too, as my understanding of the Amish and their ways was broadened. I came away with a clearer picture of their grasp of grace. Their simple life is not a way to obtain salvation. Instead, it is what they believe is the best way to work out and live out their salvation, allowing their lives to be uncluttered by the distractions of modern technology. While I’m sure legalism rears its ugly head on many occasions, I am convinced that it is no more prevalent for them than it is for us.
Then there was the more humorous discovery that an Old Order Amish woman does occasionally even shop at Wal-Mart!
Scattered throughout Plain Wisdom are Scripture passages, recipes (mostly Amish), and even poems that heighten and complement each theme.
Plain Wisdom is truly a delightful book of spiritual truths, stories from the heart, and insights into a world very different from our own.
This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.
Not Quite Ordinary 